Air-Fryer Lunpia: How Long To Fry?

Lumpia is a Filipino version of spring rolls, typically deep-fried and made with ground chicken or pork, vegetables, and a variety of seasonings. While the traditional method of deep-frying results in a crispy texture, using an air fryer offers a healthier alternative without sacrificing the crunch. The cooking time for lumpia in an air fryer varies depending on the recipe and desired level of crispiness, but it generally ranges between 8 to 14 minutes at temperatures between 375 to 390 degrees Fahrenheit.

Lumpia recipe ingredients

Lumpia is a Filipino version of spring rolls, typically made with ground chicken or pork, vegetables, and a variety of seasonings. Here is a detailed list of ingredients for a delicious lumpia recipe:

Lumpia Wrappers:

The base of your lumpia is the wrapper, typically made from wheat flour, cornstarch, and water. These thin and delicate wrappers are strong enough to hold the fillings. You can use store-bought lumpia wrappers or make your own at home.

Filling:

The filling is the star of the lumpia and can be customized to your taste preferences. Here are some common ingredients used:

• Ground Meat: The most traditional option is ground pork, but you can also use ground beef or chicken.
• Vegetables: Carrots, onions, cabbage, and water chestnuts are commonly used. You can also add garlic, ginger, and green onions for extra flavor.
• Seasonings: Soy sauce, salt, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and sesame oil are popular choices to enhance the flavor of the filling.
• Eggs: Eggs are used in the filling to bind the ingredients together and prevent the mixture from falling apart during frying.

Dipping Sauces:

Lumpia is often served with dipping sauces, and you can choose from a variety of options:

• Sweet and Sour Sauce: A classic combination of sweet and tangy flavors.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: For those who like a little spice, sweet chili sauce is a perfect pairing.
• Banana Sauce or Banana Ketchup: A unique and fruity option.
• Soy Sauce with Hot Chili Oil: For an extra kick of heat and flavor.

Cooking Oil:

When frying lumpia, it is recommended to use a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or canola oil.

Air Frying:

If you're using an air fryer, you don't need to add extra oil, as the air fryer will crisp up the lumpia without deep-frying. However, you can lightly spray or brush the lumpia with cooking oil or avocado oil to add a little moisture and enhance the crispness.

With these ingredients and your preferred cooking method, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious, crispy lumpia!

Air fryer settings

To cook lunpia in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 375 °F and 400 °F. Place the lunpia in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch each other. Spritz the lunpia with cooking spray or brush them with oil.

Set the timer for 9 to 10 minutes. Check the lunpia—they should be lightly golden brown. Use tongs to flip them over and brush with oil again. Air fry for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the skins are crispy.

Note that cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, and the type of lunpia you are cooking (fresh or frozen).

How to roll lumpia

Lumpia is a Filipino version of spring rolls, usually filled with ground chicken or pork, carrots, onions, cabbage, ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. They are typically longer and thinner than spring rolls.

• Prepare your filling. Common ingredients include ground meat (chicken, beef, or pork), garlic, ginger, water chestnuts, carrots, onions, and seasonings like soy sauce, salt, and pepper. You can also add other vegetables like cabbage and celery.
• Prepare your wrapping station. Gather a plate or sheet pan for the finished lumpia, a clean work surface for wrapping, a brush for the egg wash, a damp towel or paper towels, and a piping bag or Ziploc bag for the filling.
• Separate each sheet of wrapper before you start wrapping. Lumpia wrappers are thin and delicate, so be gentle to avoid tearing. Cover the wrappers with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out.
• Place a sheet of wrapper on your work surface with one corner pointing toward you. You can cut the wrapper diagonally to make a triangle, or use a whole sheet.
• Pipe or place about 2 tablespoons of filling onto the wrapper. Spread it out evenly, leaving about a thumb-width of space on each side.
• Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water or egg wash. This will help seal the lumpia.
• Start rolling from the bottom corner, folding it over the filling. Tuck in the sides and continue rolling, ensuring the filling is packed tightly with no air pockets.
• Seal the final corner with egg wash and finish rolling. The lumpia should be about 1/2 inch in diameter.
• Place the finished lumpia on a lined baking sheet and cover with a damp towel until you are ready to fry them.

You can now fry your lumpia in an air fryer or a pan of hot oil. Enjoy your delicious, crispy lumpia!

Dipping sauces

Lumpia is a Filipino-style egg roll, filled with various savoury or sweet fillings and fried until golden brown. It is often served with a dipping sauce, which can be spicy or sweet. Here are some ideas for dipping sauces to accompany your lumpia:

Sweet and Sour Sauce

A sweet and sour sauce is a popular choice for lumpia. You can make your own by combining apple cider vinegar, cornstarch, ketchup, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes in a saucepan and heating until thickened.

Soy Sauce with Hot Chili Oil

A simple yet effective dipping sauce for lumpia is soy sauce with added hot chili oil. You can adjust the amount of chili oil to your taste preference.

Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar, and Garlic

For a more subtle dipping sauce, try combining soy sauce, rice vinegar, and granulated garlic. This sauce will add a tangy, savoury kick to your lumpia without overwhelming the flavours of the filling.

Soy Sauce, Garlic, Ginger, and Brown Sugar

Another variation on a soy sauce-based dipping sauce is to add garlic, ginger, and brown sugar. Thin the sauce with water and then thicken with a cornstarch slurry for a glossy, sticky sauce.

Filipino Lumpia Sauce

For an authentic experience, try making a Filipino lumpia sauce. Combine broth or water with soy sauce and cornstarch. Boil for about 2 minutes, then cook over low heat until thickened. You can also add a tablespoon of vinegar for a sweet and sour twist.

Experiment with different sauces and find your favourite!

Reheating lumpia

Preparing the Lumpia for Reheating:

Before reheating, it is essential to ensure that the lumpia is properly thawed if frozen. Place the frozen lumpia on a piece of parchment paper and let it thaw. You can also use a damp paper towel to prevent the wrappers from drying out.

Preheating the Air Fryer:

Set your air fryer to the desired temperature. For reheating lumpia, a temperature of around 375 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended. Preheat the air fryer for about 2 minutes to ensure consistent cooking.

Arranging the Lumpia in the Air Fryer:

Spray the air fryer basket or tray with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the lumpia rolls neatly, ensuring they do not touch each other. This step is crucial to allow even heating and crisping on all sides.

Reheating Time and Temperature:

Place the air fryer basket or tray into the preheated air fryer and set the timer. For reheating, 3 to 4 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit should be sufficient. If you prefer a crispier texture, you can increase the time by a minute or two.

Serving the Reheated Lumpia:

Once the lumpia is heated through and the wrappers are crispy, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a serving dish. Lumpia is best enjoyed while still warm. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as sweetened chili sauce or soy sauce with hot chili oil.

Storage and Leftovers:

If you have leftover lumpia, it is best to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to two days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy.

Frequently asked questions